Pé de Pano in the ring, in photo by Susumu Nagao.
Two-time absolute world champion Marcio “Pé de Pano” Cruz exited the 2010 Worlds after having a new experience.
Not with a medal, as he was used to, but succumbing to a triangle choke submission at the hands of new ultraheavweight champion Rodrigo Cavaca.
GRACIEMAG.com made contact with Pé to find out what lessons he derived from his participation at the World Championship in Long Beach. His first answer, though, was good-humored as always.
“The 2010 Worlds? I couldn’t really like it much, could I?” he said cackling.
Then, the best in the world in 2002 and 2003 addressed the issue seriously. “Look, I feel Jiu-Jitsu has really become a lot more professional. But, as far as technique goes, Roger (Gracie) was the only one to surprise me,” said Pé in assessment.
“Of course, a lot of people sure fought well. As far as technical level in Jiu-Jitsu, though, only Roger is a cut above the rest,” he explains.
With a new MMA outing scheduled, the owner of the Art of Fighting belt guarantees he won’t be dropping the gi after the Worlds.
“I’m thinking about competing in the gi again. I just have to prepare for it next time. I’d entered other championships without training before and it all worked out. I’ve become champion without training before, right? Now I have to train more so as to put up a fight.
But I’ll appear again,” guarantees Pé, who has an MMA record of 7 wins and 2 losses.
And finally he reveals the lesson learnt.
“What I learned is that I’m getting old,” says Pé de Pano in closing, laughing.
For more, check out www.marciocruzbjj.com.